Show dog Question

[babymomma]

If you want to enter your dog in dog shows, is it a fault if they are spayed/nuetered or do they have to be intact? Its kind of a dumb question that i still dont know the answer to!

[pitgrrl]

Do you mean showing a dog in conformation? Then yes, the dog must be intact (not spayed or neutered) to do so.

From the AKC site:
http://www.akc.org/events/conformation/beginners.cfm

Spayed or neutered dogs are not eligible to compete in conformation classes at a dog show, because the purpose of a dog show is to evaluate breeding stock.

[bethaliz]

The idea for showing is to test or prove your breeding stock. To show that they are up to the breed standard. I enjoy it, just for the fun of it. And many show their dog with no intention of breeding, just to enjoy the activity with thier dog.

I'm not sure about the US, but I know the CKC (Canadian) there has been talk of a s/n class or fun show, but so far it's meeting a lot of resistance. If you wan to participate in activities with your dog, and do not intend to breed and don't want to deal with accidental breedings or the mess of seasons. I recommend spaying her and then enter her in things like Rally, Obedience, Agility etc. Personally for the dog, these are sometimes more interesting, particularly in long coasted breeds where showing involves a lot of grooming.

[babymomma]

Originally Posted by bethaliz

The idea for showing is to test or prove your breeding stock. To show that they are up to the breed standard. I enjoy it, just for the fun of it. And many show their dog with no intention of breeding, just to enjoy the activity with thier dog.

I'm not sure about the US, but I know the CKC (Canadian) there has been talk of a s/n class or fun show, but so far it's meeting a lot of resistance. If you wan to participate in activities with your dog, and do not intend to breed and don't want to deal with accidental breedings or the mess of seasons. I recommend spaying her and then enter her in things like Rally, Obedience, Agility etc. Personally for the dog, these are sometimes more interesting, particularly in long coasted breeds where showing involves a lot of grooming.

Thank you,.. i was thinking about training for agility, but i thought it might look a little silly getting a little yorkie going around the ring!! lol

[Dog Dancer]

I think a Yorkie in agility would be adorable! I'd say it's a much better choice than general showing. There's also obedience which is very competetive too. But my dog loved agility.

[bethaliz]

Most sporting canine sporting events are tailored to the breed. So jumps, obsitcles etc are adjusted to accomidate the dog. High jumps for a lab, smaller jumps for Shih Tzu's. Also, Often, they are not competing against other dogs, mainly reaching certian goals. All the goals are the same (long sit, jump etc.) And don't kid your self sometimes the smaller dogs do better.

When I was training Roxie in Obedience, we did a little Agility. She was learning with dogs that had already completed several training courses. All the dogs where bigger (GSD, Collie, Lab etc) and they we all okay on the small equipment and everyone of them but Roxie (a shih tzu) were insecure on the larger obsitlces. Roxie just flew over them! No problems at all. So definately get involved in one of those venues. You really get more bonding with your dog out of these activites.

[DUSTYRD2]

In Canada to show in conformation, the dog must be intact as a previous poster has said, however, Specialty shows, ie a show only for Yorkies, usually have what they call the "unofficial classes". Within these classes there is an "altered dog/bitch" class that you can enter. Check the CKC website for a listing of shows in your area, or check with your local breed club.

To compete in agility, obedience or any other sport with your dog, the dog may be altered (spayed/neutered).

In all avenues of competition you will need a CKC registration number though. That's the number given to your dog and it will be on the certificate you received from the CKC when the breeder registered your dog. If you do not have a number, contact the CKC and they can assist you with registering your dog.

Good luck and have fun competing!!

[babymomma]

Thank you both so much for the info!! I appreicate it sooo much!! 1 more question.. Is there an age limit for the handlers? Im 15 and i still want to get involved, would i be allowed to handle her or would my mom/dad have to?

[growler~GateKeeper]

There are Junior Showmanship/Handling in conformation shows from around 4-6 years upto 18 years old. In Junior Conformation shows the judges are looking at how the handlers are doing not the dogs.

Junior Handlers are also becoming more popular in agility as well.

CKC Junior Kennel Club has some info on Junior handling

Intro to Agility

It is always a good idea to look up your local chapter of the CKC to find more information on the programs availiable in your area.

[babymomma]

Originally Posted by growler

There are Junior Showmanship/Handling in conformation shows from around 4-6 years upto 18 years old. In Junior Conformation shows the judges are looking at how the handlers are doing not the dogs.

Junior Handlers are also becoming more popular in agility as well.

CKC Junior Kennel Club has some info on Junior handling

Intro to Agility

It is always a good idea to look up your local chapter of the CKC to find more information on the programs availiable in your area.

Thank you growler! The links were awesome!!